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Thursday, March 31, 2011

That means, A. yesterday was Wednesday, B. one more day to the weekend, C. I leave for San Antonio today, D. It's time for more turquoise, let's go with E. All of the above.

*WARNING* Don't look at the prices. You may have a heart attack.

I found this turquoise leather chair, but it's no longer available. So we'll just have to pretend how good it would look in our homes.

However, this one is probably better anyways. I mean we are talking turquoise and cowhide. I think I would finish the two books I am reading Click (it's awesome) and Black Heels to Tractor Wheels (The Pioneer Woman's book) rather quickly if I could sit in a chair like that.

And why not one more option for good measure. I mean you might want to sit by your friend. My friend Anna at Life Be Delicious was inspired to start her own Turquoise Thursday and featured these King Ranch turquoise chairs on her blog a couple weeks ago. Awesome is the word I use here.

Also, I must mention that I did get a couple things for my birthday that were apart of my Turquoise Thursday blogs. I know many of you in your birthday wishes said that you hoped I my day would be filled with turquoise. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Last weekend I headed up to Iowa to see the Boy. It was awesome to see all the snow melted, and some tiny blades of grass starting to poke up. All the newborn calves around definitely made it seem like spring, despite the chilly weather.

JJB and his bottle calf.

The first project when we arrived was to move the Boy's bucket calf, Fantasy, from the barn to an outside pen. A bucket calf is the term referred to a calf that doesn't have it's mother and have to be fed bottles. Fantasy ended up being a few weeks early, and her mom never came into her milk. So the Boy has been her serrogate mom. However, it was time for Fantasy to join rest of the cow calf pairs. She'll still be given daily bottles, but she'll also eat hay and grain until the grass starts to grow.

Fantasy getting her first bottle in the new pen.

On the left hand side of the picture is a tan metal thing - that's a creep feeder. It has grain for the calves to eat as they want. The red bars, on the right hand side, are high enough to let the calves in, but low enough that the cows can get in. This helps the calves get a head start before all the green grass arrives.

One of the momma's with her baby.

My little joke.

If you look real close you will see that I have drawn the word Simmental (a breed of cattle) into the dust, my breed of choice. The Boy didn't think it was too funny since he is a Hereford fan. Breeds of cattle are kind of like sports team, you pick a side, and cheer real loud.

And if you missed yesterday's post about the "Farmer for a Day" contest, check it out. I am sure someone out there would love a little trip to an Iowa Farm.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Consumers have become more active in learning where their food comes from, farmers have become more active at opening the gates to their farms and showing you where food comes from. But what if you could step foot on a farm. Actually drive a tractor, enjoy the smells of the farm (OK, maybe some aren't so enjoyable) and touch a cow? All of this is being promised in the It Starts in Iowa "Be Our Guest - Be a Farmer" contest.

One of the Iowa Farm Familiesexcited to meet you.

According to ItStartsInIowa.com this is your chance to play farmer for a day. The winner (accompanied by up to three guests) will be treated to a three-night, four-day "vacation" to Iowa in August 2011. The prize package includes:

Air fare, ground transportation and hotel accommodations;

Personal, guided tours of several farms;

An opportunity to visit with several farmers, participate in farm “chores,” drive a tractor and join a farm family for a made-from-scratch dinner! and

Free admission to the 2011 Iowa State Fair (to be held Aug. 11-21) where you can stroll through the 445-acre grounds, take in shows, enjoy almost every food imaginable and see the Big Bull and Big Boar!

Sure it may not be a trip to Disneyland or an all inclusive vacation on a beach, but isn't important for your children to see the hands that are feeding them. That food doesn't come from a grocery store, but is grown in dirt or pastures? Let me know if you enter, and good-luck!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Begin the week with laughter
The Boy's Dad sent this to me, and figured he'd be safe since "you are are country girl, who just happens to be in the city."

The Laughing Cow
p.s. I love their cheese

A blonde city girl named Jennifer marries an Oklahoma rancher. One morning, on his way out to check on the cows, the rancher says to Jennifer, 'The insemination man is coming over to impregnate one of our cows today, so I drove a nail into the 2 by 4 just above where the cow's stall is in the barn. Please show him where the cow is when he gets here, OK?'

The rancher leaves for the fields. After a while, the artificial insemination man arrives and knocks on the front door. Jennifer takes him down to the barn. They walk along the row of cows and when Jennifer sees the nail, she tells him, 'This is the one right here.' The man, assuming he is dealing with an air head blond, asks, 'Tell me lady, 'cause I'm dying to know; how would YOU know that this is the right cow to be bred?''That's simple," she said. "By the nail that's over its stall,' she explains very confidently.Laughing rudely at her, the man says, 'And what, please tell, is the nail for?' The blond turns to walk away and says sweetly over her shoulder, 'I guess it's to hang your pants on.'(It's nice to see a blond winning once in awhile.)

Artificial insemination (A.I.) is actually used throughout agriculture. In beef cow herds it is about 10%, 66% of dairy cows and 70-75% of pigs. Why do we use A.I.?

It allows farmers to select sires (the male) of superior genetic value. This allows us to improve the phenotype of animal (For example, my mom and dad just bought a frozen semen interest in a bull that brought $175,000. For a MUCH lower dollar value they will be able to access these genetics without having the buy the actual bull.)

In return this allows us to improve the production traits of offspring (more muscle for meat, or more milk for consumption)

It also allows us to keep fewer bulls around, which is important because the bulls are only with the cows during mating season. The rest of the year they have to be separated from the cow herd

Neither the Boy or I know how to A.I. so we have an outside farmer come and help us. The nail above the cow method isn't used at our cows. Instead we keep a close eye on our cows and watch for when they come into estrus or heat. Sometimes I think I know more about a cows estrus cycle than a women's! Once a cow is bred nine months later we get a new baby calf. Pretty amazing technology we get to use on our farm.

Friday, March 25, 2011

My grandpa, same one that gave me the amazing turquoise belt buckle, is one of biggest beef advocates that I know. He was singing beef's praises and telling the farmer and rancher's stories long before advocacy was the trendy thing to do.

This last week he was at a Health and Food Show in Calgary, Alberta, with his Alberta Beef booth. A lady walked up to him, and said I can't eat beef, I have Celiac disease. "The cattle eat barley, so I can't eat beef."

One of the new calvesback at home.

My instant reaction to her comment was, "What in the world is she talking about, of course she can eat beef. What nutritionist or doctor told her that, or why do people keep on self-diagnosing themselves." However, then I started to do some research and found that "Can a Gulten-Free Person eat Grain-Fed Meat" is a pretty common question. (p.s. If you follow the link you'll see that this lady has been led down the wrong path thinking Grass-Fed is healthier and better for the environment, but she does have the answer I was looking for about Gluten-Free diets and Beef.

“Grain-fed beef is fine. Before protein is absorbed it’s broken down into single amino acids or very short peptide fragments-no longer gluten.” — Tricia Thompson MSRD

Awesome! So those with Celiac Disease or that are taking part in a gluten free diets can enjoy all the health benefits of beef.

And what did I learn/ If I'm going to walk the walk, I need to talk the talk. People have concerns about the food they are eating, where it comes from and how it is raised. Questions that seem obvious to one person might be confusing to others.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Last weekend when I was in Oklahoma I had the chance to do a little shopping. I mean it was my birthday month, time to spoil myself a little right?

I had drove past Lorec Ranch a million times before, but previous to this day, I never had time to stop. Let's just say I am glad the stars aligned so I could finally pop on in.

Sorry for the camera phone picture.

I insistently fell in love with this turquoise kitchen table set, and I could not believe how reasonably priced it was. I'll invite you all to come have supper at my place on day at this turquoise table.

I also thought this bedroom was quite pretty.

I did end up buying one piece, but it was a touch to large for my suitcase! I'll be picking it up in April when I have a vehicle in Oklahoma. Can't wait to show it to you!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Yesterday, was my birthday. And it was fabulous - so many phone calls, cards, texts and facebook messages (that's what we get instead of letters these days). I had a great supper with some friends last night and will be spending the weekend with the Boy and his cows. Perfect.

Although, I got many wonderful gift there is one in particular I wanted to share with you.

When I got home from work, there was a padded envelope on the kitchen counter. It was really tore up, and addressed from my Grandma and Grandpa G in Alberta. As I opened it there was a workout top from the Canadian brand LuLu Lemons. Awesome, but there was also a velvet drawstring bag.

To my surprise this was in that bag.

This was my Grandpa's old belt buckle. H.L.C. stands for Highwood Land and Cattle. I had no idea he even had it.

I was overcome with excited and emotion, and quickly called Grandpa. He said had the belt buckle made in 1979 at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. There was an Indian man making belt buckles and Grandpa thought he would like one for himself. The man said they were $60, only took cash, didn't give receipts and needed a business card from Grandpa, and in six months he would receive his buckle. So the exchange happened.

Grandpa said Grandma was furious, and told him that there was no way he would ever see that buckle or money again. However, a few months later a ringman attending a livestock sale, came up to Grandpa and said an Indian man told me to make sure Chuck got this, and there was his buckle.

Grandpa said since his belly was too big now, and since I love turquoise so much it is mine. Thank-you Grandpa and Grandma, best birthday present ever!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Today, I am excited to have a guest blogger - Mrs. Kasey Hunt. Kasey, President of the Missouri Cattlewomen's Association, wrote an article about our chance meeting earlier this year, and I think it just goes to show that there is always the opportunity to create a new relationship or network with someone, even when you might least expect it. Thanks Kasey!

“Life as an Ag Girl and Everything that Comes with It” by Kasey Hunt

After experiencing the Blizzard of 2011, I couldn’t be more excited for spring to get here. I had every intention of writing about my trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show. However, since the blizzard caused me to have three cancelled flights and I was fighting a horrible cold, I had to make the decision that home is where I needed to stay.

I have a "ear tag" name tag like this oneon my suitcases as well.

My blizzard wasn’t a complete waste because I was snowed in at my cousin and his wife’s house in Smithville, MO. They have two boys; ages four and one, and I had the opportunity to bond with them. Also, while standing in line to rebook my first flight, I saw an ear tag on a piece of luggage that read “my address (going to keep that secret).” I quickly introduced myself to the woman standing across from me who I found out was Crystal. We weren’t able to talk very long, but later exchanged a few Facebook messages. She ended up having the same trouble I did flying out of KCI, but she eventually succeeded.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What should have been a week of attending meetings, events and networking with others in the cattle industry led to a new passion, researching agriculture blogs. While Crystal and I were exchanging messages, she encouraged me to join her Facebook page Crystal Cattle. This page is why I started to read more blogs and I want to pass it along to you the readers why I think you may want to read it as well.

With the media and animal activist groups telling the story of agriculture instead of the farmers and ranchers, Crystal felt it was time for our voices to be heard. She started her blog two years ago this spring and absolutely loves being able to tell the story of agriculture to those who are not able to experience the life on an everyday basis. Her blog talks about everything from what is happening on her family’s farm,to how to promote beef, the responses to negative agriculture articles and her weekly “Turquoise Thursday” where she writes about some type of western turquoise inspiration.

“Advocating agriculture doesn’t mean you have to start a blog.” states Crystal, “It can be as simple as posting a status of what is going on at your farm, or asking someone at your grocers meat counter if they need help selecting a cut of meat for supper that night.” If you are interested in starting a blog, Crystal has a few posts on her blog explaining how to start your own blog. She also states that NCBA’s Young Producer Council has an excellent “how to” guide on their site as well. Another tool Crystal finds helpful in sharpening her advocacy skills is the Master of Beef Advocacy program.

The responses Crystal’s blog has received have been overwhelming. She has had the opportunity to have great conversations with not only consumers, but ranchers that have been shocked to hear of what people think about agriculture. Blogging has been a wonderful way for Crystal to network, make new friends and she is proud to have more than 6,000 people a month read the agriculture story.

Monday, March 21, 2011

The past week and a half has been a bit of a whirlwind. In twelve days I have made five flights back and forth to Oklahoma for a combination of work and catching up with old friends. I'm a pretty lucky girl. Not only do some of my favorite people in the world live in this state, but I'm leaving with a pocket full of new friendships.

Today, I can say I am grateful for opportunities. I am grateful that I can hop on a plane, do the things I love, be with the people that are close to me and not really think about it. There hasn't been much time to watch the news between running between the fair grounds and the hotel room, but I have seen the things that are happening in Japan and now the escalating violence in Libya. Although, in the long run those things will impact us indirectly, we are lucky that we live in a place where we can go about our day without much thought of how radiation, war, violence, etc. could change our lives. Whether I am on the north or south side of the Canada/U.S. border I feel safe, and my opportunities are endless.

I know it make sound shallow, frivolous or materialistic but here's to Oklahoma's good people, new friends, great shopping and my new turquoise purchase (details to come.) I am truly grateful that these are things that I can enjoy each day.

Friday, March 18, 2011

This week some friends and I were talking about healthy living, exercise, diet etc. Miss Northerner has been running lately, and looks awesome. I really wish I could fall in love with running, but I don't think it is going to happen. We both agreed though that we weren't about to put ourselves on a diet though. I mean I love pasta way too much, enjoy an adult beverage and I'm addicted to chips and salsa (I actually gave them up for Lent, and it's killing me!)

So what does this all mean? Well, I know that if I don't want to become elephant size I am doing to have to do some exercise (currently Zumba and walking) and cut corners where I can, go easy on the sauces, I'm a big fan of hamburgers without the bun, and so on. I also can't wait for grilling season to begin so I can load up on veggies and lean protein in the form of beef!

And today I decided no more French Fries, just more wine because of this:

The NY Daily News posted this little article that made me gasp. Calculations are based on a 5-ounce glasses (my serving sizes are usually probably closer to 8-ounces!) and a McDonald's Large Fries.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Remember Serena's Iowa Cattlemen's cover shot, well now she is appearing in the Boy's local paper as part of National Ag Week.

What kind of relationship do you have with your local media? This picture provided an awesome opportunity for the Boy not only to promote JJB Cattle Company, but to also create a relationship with the newspaper. Hopefully, in the future when they are covering agricultural topics they won't google where their food comes from, and instead talk to a farmer.

I remember a tweet from Debbie Lyons Blythe that suggested when the weatherman asks for pictures from you family why not send them a photo of your livestock out in the snow. Certainly, something that can be continued through this long awaited spring!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

As mentioned earlier I am posted up at the Oklahoma Youth Expo this week. Yesterday, was a new experience for me. Not only did I take my first hog photos, but I also did my first hog video!

Below is the Grand Drive video from the Breeding Gilt Show. A couple things. A Grand Drive is the finals. Livestock show first in classes which may be divided by age, weight or breed. Then those animals of similar classification are shown against each other in a division, and finally each division winner is shown against each other in a Grand Drive. Clear as mud? In this show these animals will be used later in life for reproductive purposes. However, most junior shows will also have a market division. Those are the ones that feed us.

This week I am in Oklahoma for the largest youth livestock show. This week more than 7,000 4-H and FFA kids have descended upon Oklahoma City to show their prized animals. Me, I've just been snapping pictures.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Last spring I had the opportunity to visit the Heartland Acres Agribition Center in Independence, Iowa. Obviously, I fell for the Boy because of his charm and dashing good looks, but when I arrived in Independence to find out that his family was involved in a hand-on agriculture learning center, that helped teach people where their food comes from I was sold. Seeing the worlds largest tractor - Big Bud - was pretty cool too.

Or the story goes something like that.

The Big Bud

Currently, Heartland Acres is in the running for the Site of the Year in the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, and they could use your votes. So here's the deal, Heartland Acres has decided to provide a give-a-way gift. All you have to do it follow the link, vote, and then comment on my blog that you've voted. Sunday is when the voting ends, so I'll draw then.

How simple is that, and wouldn't it be great if a place where people can learn about and experience agriculture won.

And I wonder if Frank Martin's wife was wearing there K-State cowboy boots. Now, for those that aren't K-State fans, I mean I am not really sure why you wouldn't be, but Nocana makes a ton a different college cowboy boots, and a really cool men's square toe style similar to this.

I should not be allowed to browse Lone Star Western Decor. Not only do they have another set of amazing bar stools I've had my eye on they also sell this gorgeous, ridiculously expensive turquoise trunk bench. Thanks to Dirt Road Dreamer for reminding me about this wonderful piece.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

It you haven't noticed the trend this week is food. That is probably why I am scared to step on my scale. This weekend was a milestone for the Boy and I's relationship, I finally cooked for him. Thoughts may be crossing you mind 1. This is odd 2. Is she a bad cook 3. Does she not like to cook and 4. Did he survive. The answers are 1. Kinda 2. No 3. No. 4. Yes.

I have baked desserts and treats for the boy, however we have spent a large portion of our weekends together in Iowa, leading to not so much cooking on my part. However, this weekend chef Crystal hit it out of the park. We are talking spinach dip, corn chowder and shrimp jumbo.

This is the famous shrimp jumbo that my cousin makes every year for Christmas. Recipe is below.

I figured this picture would make my Grandma and Grandpa G. proud. Yes, you are allowed to cook shrimp in an I Heart Alberta Beef Apron. Just not chicken.

And the final product!

All of this deliciousness was consumed rather quickly.

Kim's Legit Shrimp Gumbo (it is a true Louisiana recipe)

5 lbs Uncooked Shrimp - I used three for the two of use and we had lots left over. Leftovers, yes!1/2 cup Margarine1/2 cup Butter3 large Onions4 large Oranges5 stalks Celery1 clove Garlic2 Green Peppers4 Lemons2 Limes1 tbs Black Pepper1 tbs Salt1 tsp Red Pepper2 tbs Worchestershire Sauce1 large Bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing• Wash shrimp• slice vegetables and fruit and layer with shrimp in baking pan adding butter and margarine as you go.• mix other sauce ingredients and pour over shrimp, vegies, and fruit.• Bake at 350º at least 30 minutes stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. Bake until shrimp are pink but to not over cook.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Last week I was at the KSU Cattlemen's Day. It is always tradition to stop by the Beef Council Booth because you know they are going to have some type of beef goodness for you to try, and this year was no exception.

See that little breaded crispy thing in my hand? That would be a Tamale Stix and it was delicious. The Beef Council is working hard to come up with new and quick ways for you to serve your family beef and this is a potential idea.

Tamale Stix Ingredients

Seasoned Ground Beef

Queso sauce

Golden Brown Breading

Flour Tortilla Flakes

I could definitely see myself getting home from work and throwing a few of these in the oven for my supper. I also tried the Santa Fe Beef Plank. Yum.

Santa Fe Beef Plank Ingredients

Jalapenos

authentic shredded beef

sharp cheddar cheese

pepper jack cheese

sour cream

in crispy corn crumb coating

Or how about some of these instead of the same ole chicken fingers or a fun appetizer at tailgates.

Finally, I have to share my dessert from the night before.

This was a red velvet cake. The little steer on top was chocolate and it said rare. Too cute.

Monday, March 7, 2011

It has been a pretty big weekend in terms of completing some goals. Slowly the 101 in 1001 list is becoming smaller which is a good things because I've got less than a year to finish it off.

So what is scratched off?

19. Pay for the next person's in line meal.For the past two months completing this goals was apart of my #3in30 challenge. However, it wasn't until Friday that I succeeded. Going through the long Starbuck's drive-thru line in Manhattan, KS, was my opportunity. I giggled to myself when the lady handed the cashier for it to be refused. Good deed gone, now hopefully others will pass it on.

30. Scrapbook 2010 It is started. I am pretty sure my roommate thought there was a paper/sticker explosion when she got home, however I made a good dent in the 2010 Scrapbook.

47. Buy a heiferI found one I really thought about buying, but I decided to pass. Not quite the right one, not the right time. But I have chosen a name for the heifer that I will one day buy.

56. Write in my journal for 10 days straight. Yup, I did it. I have decided I don't know how much of a journal person I am. I guess I would rather type it out. Anyone have an online journal. Thinking that might be the route for me. This was also one of my February #3in30 goals I completed.

80. Get in the habit of writing down everything I spend money on Working on it thanks to the Mint.com - I'll be blogging about this more later on.

94. Attend church 12 times in 12 monthsDONE! So excited to have finally crossed this off my list. It was a challenge, not because I don't like going, but because of my travel schedule. So many weekends I am on the road for work or headed to see the Boy, but it done, and I am very proud of myself.

I think I am going to take March off from the #3in30 goals. But I enourage to take a look. It is a great community to be apart of!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

I am more of a delicate jewelry king of person. I mean sometimes I don't mind hunks of turquoise being draped from my neck, and I do layer my jewelry often, however my jewelry is usually on the simpler side.

I love these turquoise flower earringsfrom the Esty store BrooklynArt's. She has a variety of colors and designs. I don't have a lot of gold, so these would be a nice addition to my collection

And this matching necklace is great. p.s. I love the barn wood. p.s.s. It is probably a person's weathered deck, but I am going to pretend it is barn wood.

Keeping with the turquoise and gold theme, these earring from luxdivine are very cute too.

Don't forget to check out my post from this morning. It contains a very profound quote.

"If you take the cowboy out of society you are going to lose people with integrity and honor and heart and love for country." CJ Hadley, Range Magazine.

I love this quote from CJ Hadley, in the last I am Angus video. I think about things like this. What if the cowboy disappears. What if people can't make a living at ranching anymore, and it's tempting to sell the ranch for big dollars to developers. What if water laws, tax laws, animals rights laws are passed making it too hard for the cowboy to make a living. What will happen to the people who are protecting our land and helping feed the world.

I know many of us are far removed from the cowboys of the west, but they are important people that much can be learned from.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Towards the end of February I got more exciting news, and I figured since it was March it was time to share. p.s. I saw this status to March > February - couldn't agree more. Ok enough stalling.

This is the March issue of DRIVE magazine. And that is my photo on the cover! Wahoo.

DRIVE is a livestock magazine that I think is extremely fresh and exciting in terms of their content. I know that not all of you that read my blog have livestock, but it will give you a little sneak peak into my life, so don't be afraid to enter.

To celebrate I'm having a give-a-way. Up for grabs is are copies of the March issue of DRIVE. That's right, there will be more than one winner.

About Me

These are just a few of the stories that make up the life of an ag girl. I have a passion for agriculture, and want to see farmers remain on the land, raising food for all of us. You'll also get a dash of cattle life from around the country as I travel for work, and some commentary on my hectic life. I love photography, video production, K-State (yes I bleed purple), the livestock industry and have bounced from Alberta, to Kansas, to Missouri, to Iowa. Stay tuned. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @crystalcattle